Category: Family

Dad and Son and football

The weekend action at Griffin Park featured the visit of WBA with one ‘Baggies’ supporter sitting next to me. Unfortunately for Joe he could not get a ticket to sit in the away supporters end and had to accept sitting with me and the Brentford supporters.

It was not a good game with both sides playing poorly and making errors. WBA scored a good solo goal but rest of the performance was limited.

But it was good Dad and son time. A fine cycle in history as of course Joe holds his allegiance to WBA as it was his first game I took him to when we lived in the West Midlands. He was nearly or a little more than 5. The first game was against Nottingham Forest. I think he lasted until about half time. I took him again but I cannot remember who against when he lasted longer.

Football inculcation. How it is always done.

Panto

A grown up family event, though by rights one should be taking children to Panto. I am not sure that Joe still counts. However there were plenty of other ‘unaccompanied adults’.

Shaz enjoyed the event with her shouting at the stage, hissing the baddy and clapping along.

It was all very traditional and fun, just as was expected. Paul Merton was very good both in his portrayal of Widow Twanky and his ability to ad-lib in general.

As ever Shazz is hooked.

Identity

So last week I was happy to support New Zealand when they played England, and as it happens, won in a tight game that really England should have won.
This week the All Blacks play Ireland. Assessment of the merits of each time probably give Ireland the edge in the contest.
But emotionally who do I want to win. With me drifting more to my father’s origins maybe it is less easy to support the ABs this weekend.
At the same time  I still evoke the ‘I’m too old to invest too much emotion in these things’ mantra.

Ireland can repeat Chicago win over New Zealand, says Rory Best

• Joe Schmidt’s side beat All Blacks in the US in 2016
• Captain Best says injuries will not have big impact

Liam Napier

Ireland players celebrate the win over New Zealand in Chicago
Ireland players celebrate the win over New Zealand in Chicago. Photograph: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Rory Best is confident Ireland can repeat their history-making efforts in Chicago by claiming a maiden win over New Zealand on home soil despite suffering more late injury dramas.

Already without the Lions flanker Sean O’Brien, who broke his arm against Argentina last week, Ireland suffered another major setback on the eve of the match with the loose forward Dan Leavy ruled out. Leavy’s absence adds to a growing injury list which includes O’Brien, the influential half-back Conor Murray and Robbie Henshaw.

 

Off to University

Another day of note as Isaac moves on to a new place and the numbers in the apartment reduce to three.

So Isaac went to Groningen on Sunday to study at Hanze University  to study Fine Art. Then plan way back when in New Zealand was to study in the Netherlands though plan A was The Hague when there was no plan B. After a few tos and fros with the option of foundation courses in England Isaac settled on the offer of Hanze after his ‘challenging’ interview. The benefits are the same as originally desired: not studying in NZ, cheaper fees as a EU citizen(1030 Euros for year 1), learning in English and a very different experience.

So on Sunday we accompanied him to Southend International Airport-a long trip.

So an adjustment required on both sides. Isaac is already in the midst of international intro week and it is quieter and different at home. However, Joseph can get a word in now.

The final countdown

Today we, that is Shaz and I, fly out of Wellington on our way to the UK via Asia.So the next stage of our journey starts.

Everyone has their new journey. EQ is in Hamburg and ready to start here new Masters course, Joe has his OE planned from April and Isaac off to study in the Netherlands he hopes. All he needs to do is finish the portfolio and apply!

Exciting and nervous times all at once.

 

Back in action-resumé

Again a long time since being able to post. A number of factors, firstly due to a lack of time with being on holiday in Australia en famille in Melbourne and Apollo Bay in country Victoria. The Ashes were on and Joe and I thought another trip to the MCG would be worth it and good value. In the end not to bad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The principal reason for the delay was the changing of the host for the blog. The change was made for good reason-cost. Hosting for 3 years for the cost of one previously. However the transfer did not so smoothly and I had to pay to have that done- so not so much of a saving in the end! All took time too.

Plus there is a lot going on with moving. Wow.